Dropped object during lifting operations

Cause & Consequence

• Contact with something fixed or stationary

Other Cause & Consequence

Dropped object

Contributing Factor

• Communication

Description of Process

Deck Lifting Operations

Description of Incident

As the banksman was providing final instructions to the crane operator, the load handler looked up and observed the hoist rope very close to an antenna fixed to a handrail on the Heli-deck access platform.

The load handler alerted the banksman of the hoist rope proximity to the antenna.

Immediately after this communication the antenna weighing 13.3kg fell 21 meters to deck landing 4.5 meters from where the banksman was positioned.

No injuries were sustained. 13.3kg x 21 meters x 9.81m/s = 2740 Joules.

Good Practice Guidance

• Ensure lifting teams are fully aware of the potential overhead hazards for their site and that suitable controls are in place.
• Ensure a Lifting Operations Risk Assessment is carried out - specific to each lifting operation
• Continuously dynamically risk assess the worksite

Useful Resources

Lifting & Mechanical Handling Guidelines

Safe Working Essentials Toolkit